The short answer
Every restaurant in India needs an FSSAI registration or licence before it sells food. Under the limits that apply from 1 April 2026, a food business with annual turnover up to ₹1.5 crore needs basic FSSAI registration; above ₹1.5 crore and up to ₹50 crore it needs a State licence; above ₹50 crore it needs a Central licence. Apply online on FSSAI's FoSCoS portal, separately for each outlet.
| Annual turnover of the outlet | What you need | Form on FoSCoS |
|---|---|---|
| Up to ₹1.5 crore | Basic FSSAI registration | Form A |
| Above ₹1.5 crore, up to ₹50 crore | State licence | Form B |
| Above ₹50 crore | Central licence | Form B |
Limits as revised by FSSAI with effect from 1 April 2026 (previously ₹12 lakh and ₹20 crore). Some activities need a Central licence whatever the turnover. FoSCoS shows the exact category, documents and fee for your business before you pay — check there before you apply.
How to apply on FoSCoS
- Work out your annual turnover. Use the expected yearly food sales of the outlet you are registering. A new restaurant that is unsure usually starts with basic registration and upgrades when it grows.
- Open the FoSCoS portal. Go to foscos.fssai.gov.in, choose your state and your kind of food business (for a restaurant: food service), and the portal tells you whether you need registration or a licence.
- Fill in the form. Form A for basic registration, Form B for a State or Central licence. You enter the business name, premises address, food categories and the owner's details.
- Upload the documents. FoSCoS lists the documents for your category — typically a photo and ID of the owner and proof that you occupy the premises; a licence asks for more.
- Pay the fee online. The fee is shown on FoSCoS for your category and the number of years you choose.
- Track the application and display the certificate. Track it on FoSCoS. Once granted, display the certificate at your premises and use the 14-digit FSSAI number on your menu and food app listings.
Questions
Do I need a separate FSSAI registration for each outlet?
Yes. FSSAI registration or a licence is for a premises, so each outlet or kitchen needs its own.
Can I list my restaurant on Zride before my FSSAI registration comes through?
You can start the sign-up in the Zride Vendor app without it and add your FSSAI number later in the app. It is optional at sign-up, but having it speeds up approval — and you need it by law to sell food.
What changed on 1 April 2026?
FSSAI raised the turnover limits: basic registration now covers businesses up to ₹1.5 crore a year (it was ₹12 lakh), and the State licence covers above ₹1.5 crore up to ₹50 crore (it was ₹12 lakh to ₹20 crore). Above ₹50 crore you need a Central licence.
Official sources
- FSSAI — Food Safety and Standards Authority of India
- FoSCoS — Food Safety Compliance System (apply here)
Written by Zride (Asli One Global Private Limited) for restaurant owners. Last checked 11 November 2026.
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